Announcing Maxa, Ker & Downey Botswana's Innovative New Property In The Okavango Delta

Through a partnership with the Bukakhwe Bushman tribe who live in the Village of Gudikwa in the Northern Reaches of the Okavango, Ker & Downey Botswana’s newest Okavango Delta property will open on the 20 March 2025.

Nestled under a perennial canopy of towering Ebony trees, Maxa overlooks the permanent Maxa Lagoon, and is located upon the South-Eastern Panhandle within Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Ideally situated where the nutrient rich clear headwaters of the Okavango meet the meandering channels of the Selinda Spillway, an expansive network of seldomly explored seasonal floodplains. This fascinating area in the heart of the Kaza Trans frontier Park (an area half the size of California) features a network of permanent and seasonally inundated channels and lagoons.

The philosophy of Maxa centers around exploration, learning, and the freedom to be immersed in nature. The camp’s unique appearance captures this with a freeform separated lounge and dining area, set under light canvas rooves, partially enclosed by traditional clay walls. The design is complemented with handmade local furniture which lends a creative spirit to the decor and lighting.

Situated between the lounge and dining areas, with white delta sand underfoot is the camp “courtyard”, with picnic style tables for meals in the breezy shade or under the stars. In a culinary twist, a central feature of the main area is a termite mound that originally helped to form the island. Here, guests will be welcomed to the smells of freshly baked bread and muffins from Maxa’s wood fired “oven” which will also produce other delightful meals prepared meticulously by our chef.

At the edge of the camp’s riverine forest over looking the lagoon is another cluster of Ebony trees, forming a natural enclosure. Here, a Sala with a cushioned day bed is complemented by an elevated deck, with a suspended cargo net hammock bedecked with an array of pillows and cushions, from where guests can take in the beautiful surrounds.

Accommodating up to 12 guests, the tented rooms are practical, yet comfortable, with four beautifully designed stretch canvas tents on decks, comprising an ensuite indoor bathroom as well as full outdoor open air bathroom. The Maxa family tent has two bedrooms and a shared ensuite bathroom along with an outdoor bathroom.

Every day at Maxa is curated as a day of exploration. Camp excursions include mokoro (dugout canoe), guided walking safaris and nature drives (both by day and night). Activities also incorporate local cultural insights with the exploration of the natural heritage of this immensely diverse region.

Access to and from Maxa will be by helicopter from Shinde airstrip, and offers a short yet exciting scenic transfer.
“Maxa’s comfort and innovative design complement our five-decade legacy of Ker & Downey’s suite of legacy camps, suiting travelers who seek bush exclusivity, wilderness and an experience with the people” commented Walter Smith, Ker & Downey Botswana’s Director of Sales. “We are confident that Maxa will strongly resonate with our past guests and industry partners. In this inclusive partnership, we also know Maxa will appeal to the modern generation of new travelers.”

For visual overview of Maxa Lagoon, location and area, click here.

For more information or images contact: [email protected]
E&OE.